KR101584524B1 - Mapping of a contour shape to an x and y coordinate system - Google Patents

Abstract

There is provided a method for determining geometric characteristics of a target shape, such as the shape of the boundary of the ledge shield 36, for use in the gas turbine 10. The method includes obtaining (106) a digital image of at least a portion of a first object comprising a first feature (164). The image including the first feature (164) is displayed on a display device (108). During the reconstruction process, one or more of the control points 168A, 168B, 168C, and 168D are associated with feature points 164A, 164B, and 164C along the range of the displayed first feature 164 ). Using the associated one or more control points 168A, 168B, 168C, and 168D, a data file corresponding to the first feature 164 is generated 114. The data file includes geometric properties of the feature points 164A, 164B, and 164C.

Description

Mapping of Contour Shapes to X and Y Coordinates {MAPPING OF A CONTOUR SHAPE TO ANX AND Y COORDINATE SYSTEM}

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 499,315 filed on June 21, 2011, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention relates generally to gas turbines and more particularly to a gas turbine strut shield contour configuration for use in fabricating replacement strut shields in an XY coordinate system And more particularly, to a method and apparatus for mapping.

A gas turbine, also referred to as a combustion turbine, is a type of internal combustion engine that includes a rotary compressor coupled to a turbine. Ignition of the fuel in the combustion chamber disposed between the compressor and the turbine produces high pressure and high velocity gas flow. The gas flow is directed at the turbine, causing the turbine to rotate.

The combustion chamber may include fuel injectors that direct fuel (typically kerosene, jet fuel, propane, or natural gas) into a compressed air stream to ignite the air / And includes a ring. Ignition raises both the temperature and pressure of the air / fuel mixture (also referred to as working gas).

As the working gas passes through the turbine, the working gas expands. The turbine includes rotating turbine blades connected to the turbine shaft and rows of stationary guide vanes. The expanded gas flow is accelerated by the guide vanes and is also directed to the rotating turbine blades, causing the blades and the turbine shaft to rotate. The rotating shaft turns both the compressor and both sides to provide mechanical output. Energy can be used for powering aircraft, trains, ships, and electric power generators, such as shaft power, compressed air, thrust, or any combination thereof. Gt; turbine < / RTI >

After passing through the turbine section, the working gas flow enters the turbine exhaust case through a nozzle. The inner and outer walls of conventional exhaust case nozzles include respective inner and outer annular rings, and the inner and outer annular rings are typically formed as single piece castings. The exhaust gases pass between the inner and outer rings.

The loads are transferred between the inner and outer walls through a series of radial struts disposed in the exhaust gas flow path. Each strut is encapsulated within an aerodynamic fairing shield. The cross-section of the shield resembles an airplane wing with a rounded leading edge tapering to a thinner trailing edge.

The different rates of thermal expansion between the inner and outer rings are such that significant thermal stresses are applied to the holding shields and the holding shields as the hot exhaust gases pass through the coupling shield between the holding shields and the holding shield and the inner and outer rings. And at the point of connection between the holding shield and the inner and outer rings. These thermal stresses can lead to cracking and fatigue degradation of the ledge shields, particularly when the shields are bonded to the inner and outer annular rings.

One approach to minimize thermal stresses is to increase the width of the ledge shields - the wider strut shields exhibit lower thermal transients, thereby increasing the temperature gradient across the shield ). The wider holding shields can also support larger loads than the thinner shields. However, increasing the width of the holding shields correspondingly increases the blockage of the gas flow in the nozzle gas flow path, which can lead to increased obstruction of the air flow and corresponding reduction in gas turbine efficiency have.

There is therefore a need for additional contributions in the area of nozzle technology, especially as it relates to thermal cracking of the pillar shields. The present invention fulfills this need in a novel and untroubled manner.

The present invention will be described in the following description with reference to the drawings.

1 is a cross-sectional view of a prior art gas turbine suitable for use with the present invention.
2 is a perspective view of an exhaust gas case of a gas turbine.
3 is a view of a first arrangement of inner and outer rings and intermediate support strut pairs of the exhaust gas case of FIG.
Figure 4 is a view of the inner and outer rings of the exhaust gas case of Figure 2 and a second arrangement of intermediate support strut pairs.
5 is a flow chart illustrating various steps associated with embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 6 represents a photographic image of a template and a marker board according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The term "feature", "feature point", or "feature location" is used herein to refer to a feature, Any identifiable or non-identifiable material that can be identified in the scene and in association with the object, such as a junction, region, zone, diameter, perimeter, circumference, And is used to include distinguishable geometric elements. These features can be marked and measured.

The term "marker" is used herein to include any type of visible or digital information pointing to a point or location that follows a range of features. For example, both symbols on a computer display screen and digital information used by a computer to form a symbol can be considered as markers.

The term "control point" is used herein to include known locations in space with known X and Y coordinate values (for two-dimensional objects) or known X, Y, . The control points can be used to define a coordinate system from which dimensional information can be obtained.

It is to be understood that the present invention may be embodied in various forms of hardware, software, firmware, special purpose processors, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the present invention may be implemented in software as an application program that is implemented as an entity on a non-transient program storage device. An application program may be uploaded to and executed by a machine that includes any suitable architecture. Because some of the constituent system components and method steps shown in this application may be implemented in software, the actual connections between the system components (or process steps) Lt; / RTI > may vary depending on the manner and structures in which they are implemented. Given the teachings of the present invention provided herein, those skilled in the art will be able to contemplate these and similar implementations or configurations of the present invention.

It will be further appreciated that the functionality of the present invention may also be implemented using discrete hardware components, one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or a programmed digital signal processor or microcontroller.

A "step-by-step process " for performing the claimed functions is a specific algorithm as described herein in the flowchart and / or as a prose. The instructions of the software program create a special-purpose machine for performing a specific algorithm.

A general purpose computer, or microprocessor, may be programmed to perform the algorithms / steps of the present invention to create a new machine. Once the general purpose computer is programmed to perform certain functions by instructions from the program software embodying the invention, the general purpose computer becomes a special purpose computer. The instructions of the software program that perform the algorithm / steps electrically change the general purpose computer by creating electrical paths within the device. These electrical paths create special purpose machines for performing specific algorithms / steps.

Throughout the description, discussions utilizing terms such as "processing" or "computing" or "computing" or "determining" or "displaying" The data represented as physical (electronic) quantities in registers and memories can be similarly represented as physical quantities in computer system memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission, or display devices Quot; refers to the operations and processes of a computer system, or similar electronic computing device, manipulating and transforming with other data.

1 illustrates a cross section of a combustion turbine 10 including a compressor 12, at least one combustor 14, and a turbine section 16. Typically, a plurality of combustors 14 are disposed in a circular arc about the turbine axis. The turbine section 16 includes a plurality of rotating blades 18 fixed to a rotatable central shaft 20. The rotating blades 18 are rotatable. A plurality of stationary vanes 22 are located upstream of the rotating blades 18 and are secured to the turbine cylinder wall surfaces 23. The vanes 22 are dimensioned and configured to guide the working gas over the rotating blades 18. [

In operation, air is delivered through a compressor 12, where the air is compressed and sent to a combustor 14. The compressed air enters the combustor through an air intake (26). From the air inlet 26, air typically enters the combustor at the combustor inlet 28 where the air is mixed with the fuel. The combustor 14 ignites the fuel / air mixture to produce a working gas. The operating gas is typically at a temperature of about 2,500 ° F to about 2,900 ° F (or about 1,371 ° C to 1,593 ° C). The working gas exits the combustor 14 and is expanded through the transition member 30 and then through the turbine 16 which is then forced to flow through the vanes 18 to drive the rotating blades 18, (22). As the gas passes through the turbine 16 the gas rotates the blades 18 and in turn the blades 18 drive the shaft 20 thereby causing the mechanical Deliver work. The shaft 20 also turns a compressor shaft (not shown) to compress the input air.

The combustion turbine 10 is also dimensioned and configured to provide a coolant, such as steam or compressed air, to internally cool the blades 18, vanes 22, and other turbine components System (24).

The exhaust case is located downstream of the last row of rotary blades 18 shown in FIG. A perspective view of a partial section of the exhaust gas case is illustrated in FIG. 2, which includes a plurality of spaced apart inner and outer rings 32 and 34 and a plurality of pairs of inner and outer rings 32 and 34 (36). The support struts are disposed within each pairing to concentrically support the inner and outer rings 32 and 34 (and thus are not visible in FIG. 2). The pairings 36, preferably made of sheet metal type material, are aerodynamically provided to provide a low drag surface to direct the hot exhaust fluid away from the encapsulated support pillars . With such an arrangement, the encapsulated support struts need not be made of high temperature material. Cooling air from the cooling system 24 is directed to cool the structures present in the exhaust enclosure.

Figure 3 illustrates a rear view of the exhaust gas case showing the pairings 36 that extend tangentially from the inner ring 34 to the outer ring 32. [ Pairings 36 are attached to corresponding rings at each end. It should be appreciated that alternative means of attachment of the pairings to the rings, for example bolting, may be used. The struts in each pairing 36 extend through the rings 32 and 34 and extend from the outer ends to the turbine cylinder wall surface 23 and at the inner ends to allow the turbine shaft 20 to rotate To a bearing housing (not shown) that supports the shaft.

Figure 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment in which the pairings 36 (and thus the encapsulated support struts) extend radially between the outer ring 32 and the inner ring 34. [

The durability of the connecting joints of the holding shield was improved by using a collared load flange. This improvement is particularly advantageous when a colored load flange is custom made to fit the exact contour of each strut shield that the lower edge of the strut shield is attached to the first color flange and the upper edge is attached to the second color load flange It is advantageous. The precise fit in this specification is desirable in order to prevent hot exhaust gases from penetrating through these joints to reach the support struts in the strut shield.

According to the present invention, the contours (i.e., boundaries) of the lower and upper edges of each strut shield are accurately determined and recorded. Contour shapes are also referred to herein as target shapes. Precise determination of the shape is particularly useful when replacing the holding shield as a maintenance item for the moving engine.

As will be described more fully below in connection with Fig. 5, each target shape is formed by placing a material sheet at the lower (and upper) edge of the shield, and then marking around the contour Is captured by drawing the instrument and scribing the line on the material sheet. The photographic method then converts the scribed line representing the contour of the holding shield into a digital format and eventually into a digital file so that the target shape is manipulated using conventional CAD tools And to be edited. Reducing the target shape to a digital format also allows digital storage of the target shape and facilitates the transmission of the target shape to the vendor for the fabrication of the replacement component do.

In the presently described application, the target feature represents the boundary of either the lower or upper edge of the post shield as described above. Also, in the described embodiment, the boundary is a closed curve. However, the teachings of the present invention may be applied to any target shape (zone) defined by the target shape defined by any curve-open or closed-type, to any shape, Lt; / RTI > As described herein, a component template (i.e., a target feature) may be used to manufacture replacement for a component, or to interfaced with or to fabricate other components that operate with the component .

Referring to flowchart 100 of FIG. 5, at step 102, a target shape of a first component (or a target shape of a zone of a first component) is captured to create a template of the target shape. The template may be used to produce a second component that is paired with a first component along an interface that includes a target feature. Alternatively, the template may be used to produce a replacement for the first component. In one application, the target shape includes such a lower edge for use in fabricating any components that interface with the lower edge of the holding shield.

The capture process may be accomplished by any one of a number of different techniques. For example, the target feature may be located on a sheet of material having a painted surface. The user follows the target feature outline (contour or boundary) using a sharp marking tool to etch or scribe the curve on the painted surface.

In another embodiment, the material sheet is covered with a coating such as Dykem Blue spray paint coating available from ITW Dymon, Olathe, Kansas, USA. In this embodiment, the user uses a marking mechanism to etch or mark the target feature outline in the Dykem Blue coating.

The user can also scribe a desired shape freehand in a sheet of painted or coated material without the aid of a target shape.

The target shape may also be captured by placing the target feature on the material sheet and painting the target feature such that the paint extends over the material sheet. When the target shape is removed, an outline of the target shape is present on the material sheet.

In addition to sharp objects, a pen, pencil, or marker can be used as a scribing mechanism. Any apparatus that etches the coating on the material sheet or leaves a mark on the material sheet or on the coating of the material sheet is satisfactory. It is only necessary that the target shape (or a plurality of points representing the target shape) becomes visible in the photographs that are subsequently exposed.

In another embodiment, a dividers mechanism may be used. One point of the divider is positioned against the point on the component edge and the other point is used to scribe the point on the coating of the material sheet or material sheet at an offset distance from the component edge. The process continues along the entire boundary of the component (or as many borders that can be easily accessed) to capture a plurality of points for the target shape. In such an embodiment, the offset distance (i.e., the distance between the component contour and the target contour) should be known and should be considered when manufacturing replacement components later.

In step 104 of Figure 5, the user places the marker board within or around the planar representation of the target feature. Reference is made to FIG. 6 which illustrates a marker board 160 on a substrate 162 in a target shape line 164 generated in accordance with one of the techniques described above. Both the marker board 160 and the substrate 162 are preferably planar in order to prevent distortions in the later photographs of the marker board 160 and the target shape or line 164 (i.e., in step 106) .

The marker board 160 includes a plurality of visible markers 168 and an X-Y coordinate system may be generated from the plurality of visible markers 168. Although the markers 168 are shown as squares, any polygonal shape may be used. In addition, the dimensions between the exemplary feature points 164A, 164B, and 164C on the target shape line 164 can be determined. The corners of the markers 168 serve as control points for generating this coordinate system and for determining these dimensions. For example, the corners 168A, 168B, 168C, and 168D are exemplary control points. By determining the coordinate system and dimensions, the target shape can be fully depicted for use in manufacturing an object having a target shape or an object interfacing with a target shape.

In the marker board 160, the markers 168 are arranged in a checkerboard pattern, but this pattern is not required. The marker board 160 must include a sufficient number of markers 168 (and thus control points) to produce an accurate representation of the target shape. This number depends on the shape of the target shape such as whether the target shape is two-dimensional or three-dimensional.

The patterns in each marker 168 and the codes under each marker 168 uniquely identify the marker. Other marker boards that provide the same properties, i.e. control point positions with known X-Y coordinates and dimensions, may be used instead of the marker board 160. In the present application, a marker board having at least three control point positions is required. Of course, additional control point locations provide additional accuracy. The illustrated marker board 160 with its regular grid is a simple exemplary marker board meeting these requirements.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, some of the markers 168 are occluded. As long as there are a sufficient number of other markers 168 to accurately determine the geometry and dimensions of the target shape, the obfuscated markers do not present a problem during the process.

At step 106, a photograph of the target shape line 164 and the marker board 160 is taken. More than one picture may be taken if necessary, and the pictures are registered to show the entire target shape and the portion of the marker board 160. When capturing multiple images, the captured regions may be overlapped to simplify matching individual images to form a complete image of the target shape. However, if the images can be properly matched to illustrate the target shape, i. E. The matching can be accomplished using the markers 168, it is not necessary to overlap the images. However, when all the images are used to form a complete target shape, it is important that the entire target shape line 164 to be modeled (measured) is visible.

Since image quality is not of utmost importance, any camera can be used to take pictures. It is only important that the target shape line 164 and the marker board 160 with its control points appear in the photograph. Even a smart phone camera can be used to capture images. However, higher resolution photographs allow the capture of more accurate templates and thus the manufacture of more accurate components.

The target shape and the image of the marker board are then stored as a digital file at step 107 for use during subsequent processing steps. At step 108, an image is displayed.

The method referred to as reconstruction (the stem of the field of photogrammetry) is used to determine the geometric properties of the target shape line 164 from the photographic image, in particular the geometric properties of the feature points on the target shape line 164 do. See step 109 of FIG.

In general, reconstruction involves generation of a metric (i.e., a known scale of an image) of a two-dimensional or three-dimensional representation of such an object from an image or images of the object. For example, two points lying on a plane parallel to the photographic image plane of the camera (thereby avoiding computational complexities and potential measurement errors associated with converting a two-dimensional image into a three-dimensional model) (I. E., Two feature points) may be determined by measuring such a distance on the image, if the scale of the image is known. Note that the scale along the X axis may be different from the scale along the Y axis; Both sides can be determined according to the present invention. Next, the actual distance between the two feature points is determined by multiplying the distance measured in the image by the reciprocal of the scale.

To determine the scale of the image, the image should contain known objects (i.e., control points) with known dimensions. Marker boards 160 with markers 168 and control points 168A, 168B, 168C, and 168D meet this requirement.

The reconstruction process also entails correcting the image distortion caused by the camera optics. In the absence of such image distortion correction, errors are introduced into the representation of the target shape. Known algorithms can be used to correct this distortion by inputting image parameters into the distortion correction algorithm and by supplying undistorted image parameters as an output. After the camera optic distortions are removed, the reconstruction process continues by determining the geometric characteristics of the target feature line 164 from the distorted-corrected photographic image.

As applied to the present invention, the image is a known object having markers 168 (and thus control points 168A, 168B, etc.) with known dimensions and known positions in relation to other markers 168, And a marker board 160. Thus, the markers 168 and control points form an X-Y coordinate system for use with the target shape line 164. The scale of the image can be determined from these markers and control points.

The determined scale is used to determine any two feature points (i.e., points on the image) of the target shape line 164 to determine the position of the feature points with respect to the control point on the marker board 160 or with respect to the XY reference coordinate system. Lt; / RTI > The distance between these two feature points in the metric representation of the target shape can then be determined.

The reconfiguration processor of step 109 continues until all significant feature points and dimensions for the target shape are determined by associating one or more control points with the feature points. For example, it is particularly important to determine these positions and dimensions for curved segments of the target shape.

In order to fully describe the target shape, it is necessary to identify a sufficient number of feature points on the target shape and / or the boundary of the target shape. These feature points may be automatically captured during the reconstruction process or manually identified by the user. The reconstruction software may use, for example, a line or edge detection algorithm that detects an outline of the target shape and places a plurality of feature points on the outline. As applied in this application, feature points are automatically or manually positioned on the target feature line 164.

In manual placement of feature points, the target shape image is displayed and the user manually clicks on the target shape boundary to position the feature point. The reconstruction software captures the position of each mouse click, and places the feature point at that position. Step 110 of flowchart 100 represents this process.

The density of feature points captured along a curved segment of the target feature image may be greater than that following a linear segment of the feature. The higher density of captured feature points ensures a more accurate final template image.

Some segments of the target shape may not be captured with a sufficient number of feature points to properly and accurately capture an important target feature feature. For example, the scribed line representing the template of the target shape captured in step 102 may not be sufficiently visible along some of the segments to accurately position the appropriate number of feature points along some segments . Alternatively, some segments, which result from failing to position the second scribed line directly above the first scribed line, may be caused by the user scribing twice along the template to form a sufficiently visible line, There may be two spaced scribed lines along the line. Under these conditions, the reconstruction software can automatically determine one or more intermediate feature points between two existing feature points, where the two existing feature points are close enough to capture an accurate target shape curve segment . The arrangement of these intermediate points is shown in step 112 of FIG.

To determine the location of the intermediate feature points, the program interpolates between the locations of the two existing feature points. In order to accurately capture the curve shape, it is particularly important that the software accurately positions the intermediate feature points along the curved segments of the target shape feature. A spline interpolation or polynomial interpolation algorithm can be used to determine the location of these intermediate feature points.

Each time the software positions the intermediate feature point, the user can first be presented with the candidate position for the intermediate feature point first. The user can determine if the intermediate feature point is correctly positioned with respect to the target feature feature and, if desired, move the intermediate feature point to a more accurate position or accept intermediate positions as positioned by the reconstruction software.

To further simplify the analysis, the substrate 162 and the marker board 160 are assumed to be planar, thus avoiding three-dimensional calculations and the accompanying complexities thereof. However, this assumption is not required according to the present invention.

In addition to correcting the optical distortions as described above, the present invention also provides a method and apparatus for correcting optical distortions at feature points automatically located by the reconstruction software and at other feature points (e.g., For example, radial or tangential distortions).

Like optical distortions, these distortions can be determined and measured automatically by software using marker boards and, in particular, marker board squares (which form grid rows and rows on the marker board). For example, if there are no radial distortions, the grid columns and rows will lie on a straight line along each grid row and row. In one embodiment, the algorithm of the present invention determines these distortions, and if the distortions exceed the user-defined threshold, the algorithm makes the corrections necessary to correct the distortions.

After the reconstruction process is complete, in step 114, the target feature representation is transformed into a digital CAD file format suitable for use with a CAD program or other computer-aided drawing program.

At step 116, the CAD file is exported to a CAD software program, for example AUTOCAD software. The software can also generate files for use with other CAD programs.

The CAD file may be electronically delivered to the vendor for the manufacture of an object that interfaces with the target shape or an object that implements the target shape. The present invention eliminates the need to send a physical template of the target shape to the vendor as needed in accordance with the prior art.

In step 118, a CAD model of the object that interfaces with the object or target shape that implements the target feature is created.

The object comprising the target feature is manufactured in step 120 by transferring the CAD model to a CNC machine (i.e., a computer numerical control machine).

Although the present invention is described with reference to a two-dimensional shape, the teachings of the present invention can be easily extended into a three-dimensional shape for producing a three-dimensional object. In the three-dimensional case, a plurality of images from different viewpoints, each showing the same part, are required. The minimum number of images required is the same image from two cameras, i.e., two cameras at different locations. In this case, the object depth is measured using a parallax (difference between camera centers) between the two cameras.

While various embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, it will be apparent that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Many changes, modifications, and substitutions can be made without departing from the invention herein. Accordingly, the invention is intended to be limited only by the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims (19)

As a method,
What is claimed is: 1. A method comprising: obtaining a digital image of at least a portion of a first object comprising a first feature, the digital image comprising one or more control points arranged to define a coordinate system, A visible marker that includes a marker board that includes a grid that displays known locations and known dimensions;
Displaying the image including the first feature and the visible marker on a display device;
Associating one or more of the control points with feature points along a range of the displayed first feature;
Wherein the scale of the first feature along the Y axis and the scale of the first feature along the X axis can be determined from the inclusion of the scale in the image, Using the scale to provide dimensional information; And
Using the associated one or more control points to generate a digital data file corresponding to the first feature, the digital data file including geometric properties of the feature points,
/ RTI >
Way. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the first feature comprises one of a two-dimensional first feature and a three-dimensional first feature.
Way. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein associating one or more of the control points with the feature points along a range of the displayed first feature comprises:
Moving a cursor on the display device to mark a first feature point along a range of the first feature, and
Associating one or more control points with the first feature point, and associating one or more control points with respective feature points of the remainder of the feature points
≪ / RTI >
Way. The method according to claim 1,
Further comprising correcting distortion in the digital image,
Way. delete delete The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the grid comprises a plurality of polygons, and
Wherein the control points comprise corners of one or more of the polygons.
Way. The method according to claim 1,
Further comprising using the digital data file to produce a second object comprising a second feature,
The second feature interfacing with the first feature,
Way. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the first object comprises a strut shield, and
Wherein the first feature comprises a contour of the strut shield along an edge of the strut shield.
Way. The method according to claim 1,
The method is applied to the manufacture of replacement parts for in-service machines,
The method further comprising utilizing the digital data file to produce the replacement component comprising a second feature for interfacing with the first feature.
Way. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the first object comprises a template for use in manufacturing a replacement part,
Wherein the first feature is a shape of the first object,
The method comprises:
Positioning the template in close proximity to the scale,
Obtaining the digital image to include the template and the scale, and
Using the digital data file to produce the replacement part having a shape corresponding to the first feature
≪ / RTI >
Way. 12. The method of claim 11,
Wherein the template comprises a curve displayed on the substrate,
Way. 13. The method of claim 12,
The curve represents the edge of the holding shield,
Way. The method according to claim 1,
The method is applied to the manufacture of replacement parts for machines in service,
The method comprises:
Obtaining the digital image of the first feature to be used to form the shape of the replacement part, and
Using the digital data file to produce the replacement part, the portion of the replacement part having a shape corresponding to the shape of the first feature,
≪ / RTI >
Way. The method according to claim 1,
The method is applied to the manufacture of replacement parts for machines in service,
The method comprises:
Creating a template useful for making the replacement part, the first feature including a cross-sectional shape of the first object;
Obtaining the image to include the template and the scale; And
Using the digital data file to produce the replacement component having a second feature corresponding to the first feature
≪ / RTI >
Way. As a method,
Creating a template having a shape corresponding to a shape of a portion of the part to be replaced in the machine being serviced, the template including marking on the surface;
Further comprising a visible marker that includes one or more control points arranged to contain the template and to define a coordinate system, wherein the visible marker displays known locations and known dimensions A marker board including a grid to which the grid is attached;
Displaying the digital image including the template and the visible marker on a display of a computing machine;
Using the computing machine to position a plurality of feature points along a range of the template and to perform spatial association of the plurality of feature points with respect to the one or more control points, The spatial association corresponding to a shape of a part of the part to be replaced;
The scale being included in the image, the scale along the X axis corresponding to a part of the part to be replaced and the scale along the Y axis corresponding to a part of the part to be removed can be determined from the embedding step; Using the scale in the image to provide dimension information for the feature points;
Generating a digital data file corresponding to a spatial orientation of the plurality of feature points; And
Using said digital data file and without using said template, producing said replacement part
/ RTI >
Way. As a method,
Loading a storage device having a digital image and instructions of at least a portion of a first object comprising a first feature, the digital image comprising a visible image comprising one or more control points representing known locations and known dimensions Further comprising an in-marker board;
Displaying the image including the first feature on a display device, the image further comprising the visible marker board having one or more control points indicating known positions and known dimensions;
Associating one or more of the control points with feature points along the displayed range of the first feature;
Wherein the scale of the first feature along the Y axis and the scale of the first feature along the X axis can be determined from the inclusion of the scale in the image, Using said scale to provide, and
Using the associated one or more control points to generate a digital data file corresponding to the first feature, the digital data file comprising geometric characteristics of the feature points,
Executing the instructions within the processor to perform operations comprising:
/ RTI >
Way. 18. The method of claim 17,
Wherein the marker board comprises a plurality of polygons, the control points comprising corners of one or more of the polygons,
The method comprises:
And using the scale of the X-axis and the scale of the Y-axis to determine the geometric characteristics of the feature points.
Way. 18. The method of claim 17,
Further comprising the step of using the digital data file to produce a second object comprising a second feature, or to produce a replacement object for replacing the first object,
The second feature interfacing with the first feature,
Way.

Images